Team cycles 220m in memory of Jon

Thursday 14th June 2012

Friends and family of a man who died from bowel cancer are preparing to pedal more than 200 miles in his memory.

A group of 15 cyclists will travel from Wrexham in North Wales to Teddington, in Greater London, as a tribute to Jon Ratcliffe who died from the disease in 2008.

Jon, originally from Wrexham, was 28 when he was diagnosed and died just days after finding out he had the illness.

Now his friends and family, including dad Rob and brother Dan, will be cycling 225 miles over three days from June 15 to mark the date of Jon's 32nd birthday.

They will be riding to raise money for charity Beating Bowel Cancer, which provides information and support to people affected by the disease.

Jon's brother Ian, from Twickenham, who is supporting the riders along the way, said: "We are really excited about taking on this challenge as a tribute to my brother Jon. Cycling around 70 miles a day won't be easy, but remembering Jon over his birthday weekend will inspire us all to keep going.

"We hope to raise over £15,000 and more importantly raise awareness of bowel cancer. Thank you to everyone who sponsors us, it really is a great cause."

This is the second challenge the team have undertaken in Jon's memory, having raised more than £21,000 for the charity in July 2010 by completing a 115 mile stage of the Tour de France.

The group are hoping to arrive in Teddington at Beating Bowel Cancer's offices at 3.30pm on June 18.

To sponsor the team visit http://www.justgiving.com/rob-ratcliffe.

---